Equipment vendor Nokia Siemens Networks has signed an agreement with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with the aim of bringing affordable connectivity to the world’s rural and remote areas.

The recently formed partnership forms part of the ITU’s Connecting Villages initiative and will see NSN provide its Village Connection platform and expertise at no charge.

Almost three billion people live in rural areas with little or no access to communications infrastructure, and the vendor’s Village Connection platform consists of specially built, compact GSM access points that a local community can use to provide individuals or families with a mobile connection for as little as $2 per month.

In addition, the Village Connection introduces a novel business model, whereby access points can be owned and managed by a local entrepreneur providing opportunities for rural employment. This local point of presence can subsequently be used to promote basic services such as healthcare, and to market microfinance and agricultural services, creating rural economic activity.

The ITU is leading the project, working with the governments of participating countries to ensure a supportive policy, regulatory environment and administrative support, in addition to seeking financial support from heads of state and other potential donors or partners. The ITU will also work to secure support from local mobile operators to make supporting infrastructure and facilities such as electricity and network connections available, as well as supporting the development of local services.

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“We share a common understanding of the importance – and challenges – of connecting the next billion people to each other and to the world of information,” said Rajeev Suri, chief executive officer, Nokia Siemens Networks. ”Our Village Connection is aimed specifically at meeting that challenge: a low-cost, energy-efficient platform that can help spur socio-economic development in previously unconnected areas.”